lelliott19
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Artist Alfred R. Waud sketched this scene, which was published in Harper's Weekly October 3, 1863 under title "The Army of the Potomac - General Buford Attacking the Enemy at Raccoon Ford September 14, 1863." But Raccoon Ford was a pretty busy place all during the Civil War. Both Armies crossed that ford repeatedly, and, at various times, troops camped on both sides of the river. Up to 10 engagements were fought in, over, and around the village of Raccoon Ford. Officially, I suppose, Raccoon Ford "made the map" in March 1825, when a US post office was established there. Historical records show that, by 1834, about 80 residents lived at Raccoon Ford and the village consisted of eight homes, a saloon, blacksmith shop, carriage maker, tailor shop, and a shoe/boot manufacturer. Unfortunately, little remains of Raccoon Ford today; most of the town was burned in 1863. Just a handful of original structures - an old mill, a brick plantation kitchen, and CWT member @Reverend Ron 's church - are left to bear testimony.
This thread is posted as part of the CWT Ancestry Forum, but it is not intended to record the life of a person, or a group of people. Instead, it will serve to chronicle the significance of a place during the Civil War. As some of you know, one of our members, @Reverend Ron has purchased and is restoring an old Civil War era church located at Raccoon Ford, Virginia. In the course of my own research, I sometimes run across newspaper articles that might be of interest and like to share them with folks who have a particular interest in the topic. This thread is for @Reverend Ron -- additional information about Raccoon Ford is certainly welcome and appreciated.
Sources:
Image: "Reconnoisance [sic] by Bufords Cavalry towards the Rapidan river" (LOC) https://www.loc.gov/item/2004660333/
Harper's Weekly, October 3, 1863. http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1863/october/battle-raccoon-ford.htm
Town info - https://www.fredericksburg.com/culp...cle_52243750-e839-588a-9484-70e9ceef137b.html
Map - google maps
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